When my DD was a baby our ped told us not to put shoes on her until she started walking. But when it came time to buy, I went to Stride Rite. They have great shoes for new walkers that provide support. You need ankle support. Everything I've read says barefoot is better until they are walking because it allows their feet to feel the floor and learn balance and let their toes grasp the floor. Of course there are many opinions on this subject but this is what we did with DD and we will do the same for DS. BTW, DD walked at 10 1/2m. She is very coordinated now.